Have you ever wondered why you are the way you are or why you do things the way you do? I remember all the way back to Jr. High feeling like I didn’t really like who I was. I’d compare myself to those around me and try to figure out who people liked most, so I could be like them. It was exhausting!
I want to to talk a little more today about something I shared in my devotion, “The Real Me” featured at Proverbs 31 and Crosswalk. The journey God’s taken me on to become the woman He created me to be has totally changed my life, and all of my relationships, for the better. I hope I can encourage you today with somethings I’ve learned.
First of all, comparison can be my worst enemy. My friend Genia summed it up well one day when we were talking about it. She said, “When we compare ourselves with someone else, we can never measure up because we compare our insides with their outsides.”
She’s right. I usually compare how I feel on the inside with how someone else looks like they have it all together on the outside. Paul talks about the comparison trap in 2 Corinthians 10:12, “but when they measure themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.”
Comparison leaves us confused and discontent. It causes us to compete with each other but God never intended for women to compete with each other; He wants us to complete one another. Seriously, He wants us to encourage each others’ strengths and then be who He created us to be.
Paul explains why in 1 Corinthians 12:18-20, “But now God has placed the parts, each one of them in the body just as He wanted. And if they were all the same part, where would the body be? Now there are many parts, yet one body.”
The truth is: You are uniquely you because God has a unique purpose for your life. God created you with a unique personality because you play an important role in the story He’s writing in your life. You are “God’s masterpiece…created anew in Christ so that [you] can do the good things He planned for [you] long ago.” Ephesians 2:10, (NLT)
There are certain thing He wants to do through your life and that is why He gave you a personality that is one-of-a-kind! In her book, Personality Plus, Florence Littauer describes four personality types. Most of us are a blend of two. See if you can relate to the desires and emotional needs of one or two of these:
Phlegmatic: Desires PEACE
Needs times of quiet, reduced stress, feeling of worth, relaxation
Choleric: Desires CONTROL
Needs appreciation for achievements, opportunity for leadership, and participation in decisions
Sanguine: Desires FUN
Needs attention, affection, approval, activity with people
Melancholy: Desire PERFECTION
Needs sensitivity, stability, support, space, silence
- Which personality best describes you?
- What are your greatest strengths? What are things you think you need to work on?
- What challenges do you face in discovering your unique “you”?
Click on the word “Comments” below to share thoughts or questions. If you don’t have a blog, click on anonymous, then leave your name and email to be part of a drawing I’ll do this weekend to give away a copy of “Shaped with Purpose : A Practical Guide for Discovering Who You Are” Workbook and CD.
Each comment will be entered for the give-away so be sure to include your email in your comment, and I’d love to know your age and where you’re from.
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Thanks so much for the devotional today. My husband and daughter work nights so this is my morning time.
God has been teaching me a lot in past year about who He wants me to be in Him. He has shown me that than plan is not about me and what makes me "happy" but what brings glory and honor to Him. That's what are lives are all about-Him.
Marcia Reed
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Thanks for your words of encouragement. I've been having a tough time lately knowing where I am being led by the Spirit. I just completed a study at my church called Companions in Christ. And although a couple of things became clear, I am still feeling fuzzy about the way to go. Several years ago, I worked on a ministry candidacy program, but was not told at the district meeting that I wasn't clear enough about my call. I know ministry comes in all forms and ways, but I can't seem to let go of the idea of being a pastor. Some one who had been at the Committee meeting told my pastor that my emotions were part of the reason I was not allowed to go forward within the church's ministry program. Therefore, I am now even more confused about ministry possibilities. But I continue to serve as a musician, Sunday school teacher and anyplace where an extra pair of hands are needed in the congregation. Please pray that I will let go of what I need to and will grasp what I need to learn for the rest of my journey. I am at this time 61, a mom of 2 grown children and Nonna (grandmother) to 2 handsome boys, lost a job last November but am working in a nursing home as an activities assistant 20 hours a week.my email is [email protected] would love to hear from those like me or who have made it through the tough stuff. Grace peace and blessings to all.
I have a general idea of who God wants me to be, but it's a matter of accepting that person. Still praying that I can follow his will and become that woman of God.
~Myrlande
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Renee,
Thanks so much for this wonderful
message. How many there are of us
who seem to be lost and don't know
where to turn to find our way.
Lynn 52
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Like so many of the others here I too am lost. After being a nurse for
15 years, I wanted to be just a mom.
Well, now 15 more years later, I
feel like I have no real identity.
I was good at what I did as a nurse,
but no one ever says to me, "Wow,
mom, you really are good at doing
that laundry!" I don't know what
to do with myself. I too am
praying God will reveal his plan
for me. I am worried that I am
getting too old to follow His
path. Thanks for the insight that
I am not alone in these thoughts.
This hit so very close to home for me today. I am in transition, which is giving me a HUGE opportunity to find out who I am and what God wants me to do. I've been soul searching for a couple of weeks, struggling with the devil who keeps telling me I can't afford to go back to school and how selfish of me to want to create debt in my marriage with student loans etc. . . and then, the clincher is, when I feel sure that what I want to do is be a career or occupational counselor for college students, the devil tells me I'd never be able to get a job because I'm 52 and it's too late. I'm still struggling, but your devotion today helped me to kick satan down and tell him leave me alone! I have so much to offer in the higher education arena, I've worked in 2 colleges and I just seem to click with the students on such a wonderful level. I KNOW I could do that job! Can I get through school though??? See. . . satan, he gets me everytime!
Your instructions said to leave your name and E-Mail and where we're from. But I didn't see a place to do that, when I sent my comment. So, I know you'll never be able to put the two together, but just in case, I ended with "I need help for me, because that will help my husband since we work together."
I guess I put it here. M. Bailey. Asheville NC 56 [email protected]
Renee,
Well, you have hit the nail on the head… look at all of us who could relate to this sense of uncertainty as to who we are in Christ and what he has planned for us. I think we should start an online group whereby supporting each other in this endeavor. I know I need the support! After I read the devotion, I went to our local Christian bookstore and couldn't find your book or CD about finding one's purpose…. so please enter my name in the drawing. Thanks again for being that vessel that God used this day as a blessing for so many. Bobbi [email protected]
I, like so many others on here, have no clue "who I am" or "Who God wants me to be". I never thought about it that way. I guess I never really thought about it. I just go from one day from another, and I am about to burn out. Thanks for your words of encouragement. However, I still cannot figure out which personality I am. I have a little of each of the four.
I need help for me, which in turn will give help to my husband since we work together.
I posted earlier today and have popped back to the blog to look at all of the comments. I wish I could give everyone a hug.
As i was reading ur post i too realized i was just leading a regular life as a housewife, mother and devoted church goer. Many a time i have asked the Lord to show me my purpose for his kingdom and I feel so lost. Thanks, i will try to listen harder to the Lord to show me what he wants for me and my life.
Thank you very much for this devotion. It has moved me in more ways than I can list in this missive. I am 46 and I've spent the last 18 months grieving the loss of my marriage and my home. It’s time for me to move on and I’ve been praying for direction and purpose. Thank you for providing the first step. [email protected]
Today's devotional and your blog felt like you were talking about me. I've been a people pleaser and peace keeper my whole life. I thought a few times that I didn't even know who I was because I was always trying to be whatever everyone else needed me to be. I still don't feel like I know who I am. Thank you so much for your making me feel like I'm not alone in this that there are other women just like me.
Amy
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I am a 73-year old great-grandmother, but I still love reading your articles – and passing them along to "my girls".
I wish I could say that we all find our way eventually, but sometimes I wonder what I am doing here. Then I remember, if God didn't have something for me to do here – then I would be THERE!!!
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Wow, thank you for this devotion today! I have always thought that there was something wrong with me because I don't know what my dreams are or if I even have any. I am 46 years old and I honestly don't know what I would do with my life if time and money were unlimited. But can I be all four of the personalities? LOL 🙂
From the Monday, I was feeling a bit confused about myself. Those questions mentioned in your devotion are some that I ask, and I didn't know how to proceed, thanks for your devotion it has help a whole lot. Am 34 and today I know with God am closer now to answering who I am.
Thanks.
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Placencia, Belize, Central America
I am sitting here with my mouth wide open. Minutes before I read your devotion and blog, I was writing in my brand new journal (I am trying it again) about this very subject. I was pouring my heart out to the Lord about not knowing who I was and asking Him to help me become the woman He created me to be. I was sharing the disappointments in who I see myself to be and so not wanting to live with so many regrets. Then I open your devotional and blog and God said see – your not alone. See I have helped other and I will help you. Thank you so much for listening to Him and writing this today. My eyes are filled with tears as I write and I feel something like excitement in my chest to see where this journey will take me. My name is Amy. I live outside of St. Louis. My email address is [email protected]. I do have one question – how do you stay on track? How do you not give up?
I do understand what you wrote about today. I am 50 yrs old and still trying to understand what God has planned for me. God has been good and faithful to me but it is me that still does not understand.
God Bless you
Hi Renee. I think you've really stareted something here! I forwarded parts of your blog onto friends in my email today and had surprising response as well. Just as the person above, I just finished the book Captivating and God had another book waiting for me. The last 18 months or so have been such a journey of self-discovery that have been so amazing. The last few days or week, I have been slightly off course and feeling down, wondering how would get it back together….and along comes your Post today, followed by your Daily Devotion…seems like I am finding my way. I cannot wait start your workbook and CD. I think it might be a great gift as well. Thank you so much, my heart very much needed to hear the messages God so so beautifully delivered through you today. I am thankful you were were open to His work. Have a very blessed day!
This is exactly what I have been praying about the last several months – Thank You, Lord, for always speaking to my heart and leading me in the direction to become the "me" You have made me to be. I pray I continue to hear! I am 45 years old and most of my life has consisted of what others thought I should be. I truly want to reach others in the way God wants me to – uniquely – I'm just not sure what that looks like ?? Thank you, Renee, for this very God timing devotional and post. All because of Him,
Sherry
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